Creating a Training Session in Coach OS: The 14 Steps

Step 0: The 3 Prerequisites Before Planning

Before you open the app or write on the first sheet of paper: three things need to be clear.

Prerequisite 1: Who is coming?

How many players are attending today? Are there any absences? Are new players joining?

Prerequisite 2: What did we do last time?

What was the focus of the last session? What worked well, what didn't? Which players have improved, who has catching up to do?

Prerequisite 3: What is the current seasonal objective?

Are we at the start of the season (building technical foundations)? In the competitive phase (match-realistic sessions)? Ahead of an important match (tapering down, pre-match training)?

Once these three questions are answered, the actual planning begins.

Step 1: Select Your Team

In Coach OS, you start by selecting your team. You will have previously set up a team (age group, average squad size, training schedule).

Select the team. Coach OS automatically shows you the last session and the next scheduled date.

Step 2: Launch the AI Generator

Open the AI session planner in Coach OS. You will see an input form with the planning parameters. This is where the actual planning begins.

Step 3: Select Available Pitch Space

What space do you have available? Coach OS offers six options:

1. Full pitch (11v11)

2. Half pitch

3. Small pitch (up to 8v8)

4. Indoor hall

5. Mini pitch

6. Custom size (own specifications)

The available space influences which drills the AI suggests. Drills suitable for an indoor hall differ from outdoor game forms.

Step 4: Enter Session Duration

How long does training last today? 60, 75, 90 minutes?

The session duration determines how much time the AI allocates to each phase. A 60-minute session has a different structure to a 90-minute session.

Step 5: Choose Session Structure

What basic structure should the session have? Coach OS offers five models:

1. Standard 5-phase (Activation → Technique → Main part → Free play → Cool-down)

2. SÜS model (Play → Practice → Play – for a game-centred approach)

3. Technique focus (more time for the technical block, shorter game forms)

4. Game forms focus (less technique, more game forms)

5. Pre-match session (short activation, lots of free play)

Step 6: Coach Setup

Are you on your own or with an assistant coach? This information helps the AI select drills that are feasible with your resources. Some drills require two coaches for two groups simultaneously.

Step 7: Player Numbers and Group Allocation

How many players are attending? How do you want to divide them?

• All together
• In two groups
• Small groups (e.g. 4 groups of 3–4 players)

Group allocation influences which game forms and drill formats are possible.

Step 8: Choose Session Type

What should be the focus of today's session? Six main categories:

1. Technique: passing, dribbling, finishing, ball control

2. Tactics: pressing, build-up play, zonal marking, transitions

3. Athletics: coordination, speed, stamina

4. Set pieces: corners, free kicks

5. Free play: no specific focus, recovery and fun

6. Combinations: e.g. technique + tactics, dribbling + transition

You can also combine: "Passing with a pressing aspect".

Step 9: Available Equipment

What equipment is at your disposal? Five categories:

1. Balls (quantity)

2. Cones / markers

3. Bibs (different colours)

4. Goals (full-size, mini goals, cone goals)

5. Additional equipment (agility ladders, medicine balls, etc.)

The AI filters drills based on what can be delivered with the equipment at hand. No more drills that fall flat because you lack the necessary gear.

The entire season, not just the next session

You click on "Generate session".

At the touch of a button, your complete training session appears:

What you see:

• Overview of all phases with timings
• Each drill featuring:

- Animated visualisation

- Full step-by-step description

- 3–5 coaching points

- Variations (easier / harder)

- Equipment requirements

• Complete equipment list for the entire session

Step 11: Optional Adjustments

The AI session is a recommendation. Not an order.

Swap drill: You don't like a drill or know a better alternative. Click "Swap", choose from the database.

Add coaching point: You want to add a specific hint for your squad. Simply enter it.

Change sequence: Drag and drop to swap phases.

Adjust timings: More time for phase 2, less for phase 3? Everything is editable.

Step 12: Save, PDF Export, Player OS

When the session is ready:

Save: The session is added to your training history. You can reopen it at any time.

PDF export: A print-ready training session featuring:

• All drills with diagrams
• Descriptions and coaching points
• Timings
• Equipment list
• Focus area and team details

Player OS: You send the session to your players. In their player app, they can see:

• Drill animations
• Session focus
• Coaching points

Step 13: Training on the Pitch

You are standing on the pitch. The session is on your phone (Coach OS app) or printed out in front of you.

Players who use Player OS have prepared themselves. The first drill is clear to everyone.

On the pitch, the rule is: the plan is the foundation, not a straightjacket. If a drill doesn't work, swap it. If players need more, extend it. If energy is low, transition to free play earlier.

Step 14: Post-Session Evaluation

In Coach OS, you can enter a quick rating after training:

• How was the intensity? (1–5)
• How was participation? (1–5)
• Notes: What worked well? What was difficult?
• Individual player ratings (optional)

This information feeds into the next planning suggestion. The AI learns what works for your squad.

The SÜS Model: A Special Case

The SÜS model (Spielen → Üben → Spielen / Play → Practice → Play) is an alternative approach to the 5-phase structure.

Principle:

1. Play (15–20 minutes): Free play to start – players warm up, play without pressure

2. Practice (20–30 minutes): Practise technique or tactics in isolation

3. Play (25–35 minutes): Apply what has been learned in a match situation

When SÜS makes sense:

When you want to give players freedom first before introducing structural guidelines. Especially for younger age groups or after matchdays when players need an easy start.

Coach OS supports the SÜS model as a session structure option.

Conclusion: From Idea to Session in Under 10 Minutes

14 steps sounds like a lot. But in practice, steps 1–9 take around 3 minutes combined. Step 10 (generation) takes 30 seconds. Steps 11–12 take 2–5 minutes depending on adjustments required.

Result: A complete, methodically structured, animated training session in 5–10 minutes.

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